Therapy Works

EXPERT EPISODE: Returning to Work After Motherhood with Dolly Jones

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Emily Samuel is joined by author, journalist and digital strategist Dolly Jones to talk about her brilliant new book Leaving the Ladd...

Jon Fox on Grieving the Future and the Injustice of Loss

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I am joined by Jon Fox for a deeply moving conversation about a love that was "robbed" of its time. After both surviving cancer, Jon and Ka...

Agony Aunties: What to Say When Your Child Asks About War

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Agony Aunties respond to a listener grappling with how to talk to their children about the deeply unsettling news of the current war involving Ira...

Thomasina Miers on Cooking, ADHD and Coming Home to Yourself

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by chef, writer, restaurateur and MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers for a rich and honest conversation ...

Agony Aunties: When Grief Is Triggered by Other People’s Children

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia and Emily respond to a deeply moving question from a mother whose son died suddenly at 12. Together, they explore...

How Families Are Made in More Ways Than One with Rebecca Coxon

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Rebecca Coxon — writer, journalist and documentary director, and author of the book Inconceivable....

EXPERT EPISODE: Pelvic Floor, Pleasure & Power - The “LibDdo” Conversation with Lucy Kohli

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this expert episode, Sophie is joined by Lucy Kohli - a LiBDO-trained practitioner and yoga teacher - for a refreshingly honest chat about pelvic h...

Sarah Perry on What Death Can Teach Us About Living

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today I am joined by Sarah Perry, award-winning author of The Essex Serpent, Melmoth and, most recently, The Death of an Ordinary Man. Sarah speaks wi...

Agony Aunties: “I Regret Moving” - When a Fresh Start Doesn’t Feel Right

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Emily and Julia tackle a heartfelt dilemma from a listener who relocated to the North of England to be closer to family, only to find...

Matthew Gulliford on When Pet Grief Blindsides You

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Matthew Gulliford, who opens up about the loss of his beloved French bulldog, Mr. Carson. Matthew de...

Agony Aunties: How Do You Get Loved Ones to Exercise?

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Emily and Sophie respond to a listener’s thoughtful question about how to gently introduce the idea that movem...

Cressida Bonas on Grief That Doesn’t Go in a Straight Line

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, I sit down with Cressida Bonas for a conversation that feels unusually intimate and quietly brave. We talk about the...

Agony Aunties: When Parenting Doesn’t Match the Picture in Your Head

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, Emily and Sophie take the reins while Julia continues her recovery, diving into a thoughtful listener question about ac...

Charlotte Bellamy on Grieving a Baby She Never Got to Know

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Charlotte Bellamy, who speaks with extraordinary openness about the death of her son Finn, ...

Agony Aunties: Feeling Second Best to a Partner’s Late Wife

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, Sophie and Emily return to answer a deeply thoughtful listener question about feeling second best to a partner’s late...

Dr Alex George: “I Looked in the Mirror and Didn’t Recognise Myself”

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On the first episode of Season 10 of Therapy Works, host Julia Samuel is joined by Dr Alex George for an unusually candid conversation about what happ...

Agony Aunties: When You Want Another Baby and Your Partner Doesn’t

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While Julia recovers from shoulder surgery, Sophie and Emily step in to respond to a painful and familiar dilemma, wanting another child when your par...

Agony Aunties: When You Love Your Children… But Don’t Always Like Them

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Sophie and Emily respond to a brave listener who admits she loves her two adult daughters deeply but often strug...

Agony Aunties: When the Therapist Becomes the Patient

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special Agony Aunties episode, we pause our usual listener questions so Julia can share something personal as she prepares for a reverse shoul...

EXPERT EPISODE: Why Divorce Hits Women Differently with Oona Metz

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this expert episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia speaks with psychotherapist Oona Metz, author of Unhitched, about her extensive experience ...

BONUS: Dealing with Feeling at Christmas with Professor Marc Brackett

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Professor Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a...

Agony Aunties: Surviving the First Christmas After Loss

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a deeply moving question from a widowed father facing his first Christmas after the death of his wife. S...

Agony Aunties: Shall I Leave My Husband?

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode of Therapy Works, Julia, Emily and Sophie respond to a deeply moving letter from a listener questioning whether her long...

BONUS: Dr Anna Colton on Navigating Food Conversations with Children

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Samuel engages in a conversation with Dr. Anna Colton about her book, 'How to Talk to Children About Food'. They address common parental fears a...

Agony Aunties: Healing After a COVID Loss

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, Emily, Sophie and Julia respond to a powerful letter from a listener in her fifties who is still grieving the sudden lo...

Agony Aunties: How Do I Stop Checking My Ex’s Instagram?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Sophie and Emily answer a painfully relatable listener question about being unable to stop checking an ...

Archie Bland on Parenting Through the Unthinkable

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia Samuel speaks with journalist Archie Bland - not in his role at The Guardian, but as Max’s dad. Archie descr...

Agony Aunties: Friendship Breakups and the Courage to Reconnect

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Agony Aunties series, the aunties respond to a heartfelt question from a listener about how to rebuild a sense of connection an...

Melissa Hemsley on Anxiety, IVF and Nourishing the Everyday

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia is joined by cook, writer and wellbeing advocate Melissa Hemsley for a heartfelt conversation about anxiety, s...

Agony Aunties: Feeling Invisible as We Age

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener who shares a heartfelt question about feeling invisible and struggling with self-acc...

Tracey on Infidelity, Anger and Becoming Herself

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Therapy Works, I speak with Tracey, a 55-year-old mother of three, whose story is one of heartbreak, courage, and ultimately, liberation....

Agony Aunties: How to Talk About Social Anxiety

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, they respond to a listener’s question about managing social anxiety within a relationship. They explore how to commun...

Lulu on Why It’s Never Too Late to Be Yourself

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Lulu - a woman whose energy fills any room she walks into.From global fame at 15 to finding peace ...

Agony Aunties: Facing the Hard Parts of Therapy

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's question about the challenging nature of therapy. They discuss the misconception of therapy as...

Eve on How the Pressure to Have a Child Broke Her Marriage

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eve shares her deeply personal story of coming out of a 23-year relationship, including 10 years of marriage, which ended in divorce ...

Agony Aunties: I Think My Partner’s Cheating or Am I Just Anxious?

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties return to address a listener's concern about potential infidelity, offering advice on distinguishing between anxiet...

Olia Hercules on How Creativity Heals in Times of Crisis

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and tender conversation, I speak with Olia Hercules - author, chef, and activist - about her journey from Ukraine to the UK and the p...

Agony Aunties: When Everyone Needs You and You’re Running on Empty

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Agony Aunties tackle a listener's question about managing the stress of a full-time job, parenting two young children, and caring for an ageing pa...

Deepa Paul on Marriage, Motherhood, and Polyamory

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this fascinating and candid conversation, I speak with Deepa Paul — a Filipino Indian author, mother, wife, and girlfriend about the complexities...

Agony Aunties: Navigating Separation and Talking to Children

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, we address a listener's question on how to talk to children about parental separation. Their answer covers the importan...

Ben Goldsmith on Grief, Nature, and Finding Meaning After Loss

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply moving episode, I speak with Ben Goldsmith - financier, environmentalist, and father - about the devastating loss of his teenage daught...

Agony Aunties: Managing Social Anxiety in Midlife

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s Agony Aunties, we answer a listener’s question about social anxiety returning in midlife. We talk about why it can resurface — fr...

Lucy Gossage on The Joy of Difficult Things

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Lucy Gossage — oncologist, former professional triathlete, ultra-runner, and co-founder of the Move Against Cancer char...

Agony Aunties: What’s the Line Between Healthy Processing and Negative Self-Talk?

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties return to address a listener's question about the often confusing advice regarding feeling emotions versus avoiding...

Elizabeth Day on Belonging When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m delighted to welcome back my friend Elizabeth Day. Elizabeth has done so much to change the way we talk a...

Agony Aunties: Co-Parenting with an Ex When Trust Is Broken

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, we answer a listener asking how to co-parent after a breakdown of trust. We focus on steadying yourself to steady your ...

Grace Spence Green on What Disability Taught Her About Living Fully

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, I have the privilege of speaking with Grace Spence Green - a junior doctor and wheelchair user whose life changed...

Agony Aunties: How Do I Cope with Anxiety About My Adult Children?

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Agony Aunties, the Aunties tackle a listener’s heartfelt question: “How do I cope with the anxiety I feel around my adult child...

Dan Snow on Loss, Legacy, and Learning to Live in the Present

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the first episode of the new season of Therapy Works, I sit down with historian and broadcaster Dan Snow to explore the powerful forces that ha...

Mini Recap: Nadiya Hussain on Turning Anger Into Determination

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful mini recap, Therapy Works revisits my moving conversation with Nadiya Hussain. Nadiya reflects on growing up surrounded by women w...

Mini Recap: Julie Smith on Imposter Syndrome & Everyday Courage

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini recap from our season-opening conversation with Dr. Julie Smith, we revisit her reflections on imposter syndrome, success, and the lesson...

EXPERT EPISODE: Embracing Good Enough Parenting with Dr. Tara Porter

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Emily interviews Dr. Tara Porter, a clinical psychologist and author, about her new book, 'Good Enough.' Dr. Porter reflects on her 2...

EXPERT EPISODE: The Hidden Wounds We Inherit with Noemi Orvos-Toth

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Sophie welcomes Noemi Orvos-Toth, a Hungarian clinical psychologist and author of 'Inherited Fate,' to ...

Agony Aunties: Navigating Romantic Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's courageous question about pursuing romantic relationships after surviving childhood sexual abu...

Agony Aunties: Managing Sibling Squabbles

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener's question on how to help siblings of different ages get along better daily. They discuss the ...

Agony Aunties: “Is It Too Late for Me?” Turning 60, Being Single & Reclaiming Joy

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a moving question from a listener approaching 60 who fears her life may be over because she’...

Agony Aunties: Can Therapy Really Alleviate Health Anxiety?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a question about dealing with health anxiety, which started during pregnancy and has persisted for six year...

Agony Aunties: Can Your Relationship Survive If Only One of You Grows?

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener’s question: What happens to a relationship when one partner does the work — and the other do...

Agony Aunties on Healing After an Ectopic Pregnancy

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener question about coping with the emotional impact of an unplanned ectopic pregnancy. Drawing o...

Agony Aunties on Confronting Hidden Trauma

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a deeply sensitive and complex topic brought up by a listener who experienced childhood sexual abuse by her...

Agony Aunties on Finding Clarity in Situationships

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's complex situation involving an on-and-off situationship marked by his avoidant detachment. ...

Live from Stratford Literary Festival: Kit de Waal on Friendship, Fear & Finding Freedom

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this live episode of Hurt to Healing, Julia Samuel is joined by acclaimed author and advocate Kit de Waal for a powerful conversation about friend...

Expert Episode: How to Age Well with Dr. Lucy Pollock

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this expert episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Lucy Pollock, a geriatrician with nearly three decades of experience, to explore the truth about grow...

Expert Episode: Music as Medicine with Dr Daniel Levitin

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia is joined by Dr. Daniel Levitin — acclaimed neuroscientist, musician, and best-selling author of Music as...

Agony Aunties on Healing from Preverbal Trauma 

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Agony Aunties delve into the complexities of preverbal trauma, explaining why it is difficult to process such trauma and how it affects the body a...

Expert Episode: Helping Your Children Develop Resilience with Dr. Henry Venter

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this expert-led episode, Emily Samuel is joined by Dr Henry Venter to explore the vital role resilience plays in a child’s development. Togeth...

Agony Aunties on Talking to Children About a Terminal Diagnosis

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a heart-wrenching question from a listener facing a terminal diagnosis. They offer invaluable advice on how...

Live from Curious Minds Festival: Unpacking Family, Conflict & Connection

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special live-recorded episode of Therapy Works, we explore the often unspoken patterns that shape our families — and ourselves. Whether you...

Agony Aunties on the Pressure to "Have It All Figured Out"

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a common concern among individuals in their mid-thirties who feel overwhelmed by life's big decisions, espe...

Amanda Wakeley on Fashion, Family, and Healing Through Grief

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Amanda Wakeley, OBE, designer, creative director, and multiple award-winner, delves into the profound ch...

Agony Aunties on Finding Confidence in Your Fifties

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's concern about feeling invisible in their mid-fifties due to ageism in both work and social spa...

Olivia on Finding Freedom After Abuse

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Olivia shares the harrowing experience of her husband being arrested in 2014 for downloading and shari...

Agony Aunties on Managing Exam Stress

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties discuss the intense pressure and anxiety faced by a 16-year-old dealing with exam stress. They highlight the import...

Chris Levine on How Darkness Led Him to Light

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Julia reconnects with world-famous light artist Chris Levine - best known for his portraits of the Queen, Kat...

Agony Aunties on the Struggle to Maintain Friendships in Adulthood

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Agony Aunties respond to a listener question about the difficulties of making, keeping, and spending time with friends, emphasising the importanc...

Athina and Doris on Facing Anorexia Together and Finding Hope

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Julia welcomes mother-daughter duo Doris and Athina to share their personal journey through Athina's struggle with anorexia. They des...

Agony Aunties on Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties dive into a listener’s question about imposter syndrome. We open up about our own experiences of feeling undeserv...

Mariella Frostrup on Speaking Up for Women at Every Age

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this compelling and candid conversation, Julia sits down with her close friend Mariella Frostrup – renowned author, broadcaster, journalist and...

Agony Aunties on Feeling Like the Forgotten Sibling

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's question about feeling less valued than their younger half-brother by their stepmother. The...

Esther Ghey on Life After the Murder of Brianna Ghey

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and very moving episode, Esther Ghey shares her story of unimaginable loss — the tragic murder of her daughter, Brianna Ghey, in F...

Agony Aunties on Parenting Your Parent

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Agony Aunties episode, a listener writes in about the emotional challenges of caring for her mother who is starting to show signs of aging. Th...

Emma Barnett on Motherhood, Pain, and Rewriting the Narrative

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author Emma Barnett opens up about the unseen struggles that...

Agony Aunties on Family Estrangement and the Grief No One Talks About

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties tackle a listener's question about dealing with the pain of family estrangement. They provide thoughtful advice, su...

Lindsey Burrow on Life After Rob

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia welcomes Lindsey Burrow, widow of rugby legend Rob Burrow. Lindsey discusses the challen...

Agony Aunties: Is It Possible to Love More Than One Person?

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, a letter to the Agony Aunties sparks a deeply honest conversation about what it means to love two people at once. The writer share...

Nadiya Hussain on Defying Expectations & Fighting Self-Doubt

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Nadiya Hussain shares her journey from a housewife to a renowned baker and author, detailing the chall...

Agony Aunties: Should You Tell Someone They Were Donor-Conceived?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties discuss a delicate and complex issue brought up by a listener whose partner's brother has two adult daughters conce...

Lucy Brazier on How Life Changing a Diagnosis Can Be

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia Samuel welcomes Lucy Brazier, the author of 'The Honesty Box', who candidly shares the challenges ...

EXPERT EPISODE: Owen O'Kane on why anxiety feels addictive

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging episode, Owen O'Kane, a psychotherapist, former palliative care specialist, and ex-NHS clinical lead for mental health, shares his pr...

Iain Dale on Balancing Public and Private Life

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, broadcaster, author, and political commentator Iain Dale shares an intimate look at his career and ...

Agony Aunties on Finding Grief Support That Fits

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a heartfelt message from a listener struggling with the loss of a close friend. As an atheist, they feel...

Lottie Clark on the Difficult Decision of Assisted Dying

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply moving episode of Therapy Works, Lottie Clark shares the story of her husband James’s battle with motor neurone disease. She opens u...

Agony Aunties on Finding the Right Therapist

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss navigating the challenges of finding a suitable therapist, especially when finances are a concern. We cover various aspect...

Dr Julie Smith on Cancer, Career and Parenthood

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Therapy Works, Dr Julie Smith—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and online mental health educator—joins Julia Samuel for a d...

A Personal Update: One Year Since the Accident

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply personal episode, Julia opens up about the year following her devastating skiing accident—a journey marked by a broken shoulder, mult...

Agony Aunties on Reconnecting with an Estranged Family Member

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener considering whether to reconnect with their estranged father after years of no cont...

Agony Aunties on Beating New Year Blues and Letting Go of Comparison

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this thoughtful and uplifting episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's heartfelt concerns about feeling behind in life and grappling with...

Agony Aunties on Surviving Christmas Stress

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Agony Aunties are here to help you tackle the highs and lows of the festive season! In this episode, they share practical advice on managing Chris...

EXPERT EPISODE: Dr. Claire Plumbly’s Tools for Managing Burnout this Christmas

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this expert episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Claire Plumbly, the author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, del...

Agony Aunties on Embracing Confidence and Self-Worth as We Age

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener grappling with self-esteem and confidence as they navigate the changes that come with ageing....